I need some advice please. I am trying to figure out a safe solution to using the Honda eu2000i and The Honda 2000 Companion to power my 2005 Classic 25. This is what I have done:

I hooked up both gens using the parallel kit supplied by Honda. The kit supplied a 30 amp twist lock receptacle. I plugged in a model 44260 Surge Guard 120volt 30 amp and it shows an open ground. I read in the Honda gen manual that Honda system grounds the gen frame to the ground terminals in the AC output receptacles. I plug in the trailer shore power to the gen and the surge guard indicates Reverse Polarity. I use an Automated Engineering Corp. Model 20020 digital voltage monitor in the trailer plugged in to a receptacle in the galley. It indicates a reverse polarity fault condition with red fault warning light on. Meanwhile both gens are green light and go.

I remove the surge guard and plug trailer shore power directly into 30 amp twist lock plug. I get the Ground Fault indication with a red fault warning light on thE digital monitor. Both gens are still doing their thing with green lights and a go condition. There is ac power being supplied to the trailer.

My questions: Is this normal? Do I need the surge guard when running the Hondas? Is there a different voltage monitor to use when running on generator power supply? Any concerns with what I am doing?

I have read that Honda gens have surge protection. I have also read on forums about re-wiring the receptacle to eliminate the GF condition. I don't want to harm anything or do something that would negate the warranty on the gens.

I have the Honda Generators plugged in, with the cord to each generator in correct place with the ground attached with screw. They have worked great for 4 years. Of course I do not have all the rest of your gear. Maybe ignorance is the answer.

Thanks Larry. I have read several of your postings in the past. Wondered when you would weigh in. I thought the same thing when I wrote this original post. As I age I have the tendency to think something to death. Waking up at night trying to figure something out! The gens are nice and I think you are probably right. Happy Trails to you!
Charlie Davis

Power quality monitors expect the neutral (white) to be connected to the safety ground (green) wire. In your house and at a campground they are. In the generator they are not.. Get a regular 15A plug and connect a jumper wire between the neutral (silver screw) and ground (round pin). Plug it into one of the 15A receptacles on one of the generators and your surge protectors should be happy.

Al

__________________
"You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"

When I started camping at 68 years of age, I was overwelmed by all the details. I did not think I would ever make it all work. The used trailer that I bought had been fixed by people who did not do things right and left many "booby traps" for me. Between this forum and the people at Jackson Center and a lot of reading it all kind of came together. I kind of go by the thought any more that lets relax and enjoy our fine trailers and handle the "little surprises" as they happen. I do have a new trailer now and we have a lot of fun and boondocking with my Generators is on of my favorite things to do. Sense of independence and adventure.
Take Care